Doctor uncovers the causes behind excessive sweating and how to treat it

There’s nothing wrong with sweating. The natural practice is your body’s way of regulating body temperature. 

As the water in the sweat evaporates, the surface of your skin cools.

Something that is more than welcome during the current heatwave.

While this normal practice can be exacerbated by hot weather, some people struggle with extreme sweating daily no matter the outside temperature.

Furthermore, there are a few health factors that may trigger excessive sweating worth knowing.

READ MORE: Expert warns against using electric fan at night – It can cause four health problems

According to Dr David Jack, who spoke to Glamour, the following factors could cause you to sweat more easily:

• Hormonal changes
• Lifestyle habits, like consuming too much alcohol or caffeine
• Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)
• Fevers or illness.

The doctor explained that while sweating is normal, sometimes the glands responsible for releasing sweat can be overactive and produce more liquid than is actually needed. 

This is known as excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, and can affect the whole body or just certain areas, including underarms, palms, soles of the feet, and face.

Dr Jack said: “Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that goes beyond normal sweating and involves excessive perspiration.

“The condition can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, leading to social embarrassment, reduced self-confidence and interference with daily activities.”

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. 

Primary hyperhidrosis, which is the most common type, has no underlying medical cause and is always inherited, while the secondary form occurs as a result of an underlying condition or even medication.

How to treat excessive sweating

The good news is there are different treatments and interventions that could help target hyperhidrosis, according to the expert.

Dr Jack explained that prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride hexahydrate that work by temporarily blocking your sweat glands are one of the most common fixes for excessive sweating.

Another non-invasive option is a procedure called iontophoresis that involves immersing the affected area in water and passing a weak electrical current through it. 

“This procedure helps block the sweat glands temporarily,” Dr Jack added.

Oral medications, such as anticholinergics or beta blockers, could also help reduce sweating, but these come with a list of side effects to consider.

Furthermore, Botox is also a popular treatment for hyperhidrosis, especially when it comes to your armpits.

The doctor said: “The toxin works by blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat production, providing relief for several months.”

If you think you’re sweating too much, Dr Jack advised speaking to a doctor who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend a personalised treatment plan.